The process: What to expect

Step two: Feels like a good match? Let's dig a little deeper with a longer meeting, either online or in person. Depending on the project this may last 30 minutes to a few hours. This is where I will be collecting all of the goodies, photos, ephemera, and lovely details that will make this artwork sing. A contract will be drawn up with all the project deets.

Step three: We're off and running! As the piece unfolds, you can expect to get updates in the form of pictures and videos. You can keep an eye on the progress, plus I think it's just more fun when everyone's involved.

Step four: You will have an opportunity to see the full artwork as it nears completion, so that you can feel confident that what is delivered is gonna knock your knee highs off. I recommend seeing the piece in person if geography allows, but a great alternative is using video to get a good look from different angles and lighting. This is the time to make any last tweaks and adjustments.

Step six: Delivery. Hugs. Happiness.

Food for thought: Questions to get the ball rolling

Will your artwork commemorate an event?

event details: When, where, why, who, how...

for whom is this artwork being made? (yourself or a gift)

do you have any specific memories of the event that are particularly resonant?

three feeling words that epitomize the moment for you

how would you describe the recipient’s / your own personal style

what do you / the recipient value most? (family, travel, pets, world peace, etc)

who are your / the recipient's favorite artists? (could be visual, musician, poet…)

are there any meaningful words or quotes that you would like incorporated in the piece?

what kinds of ephemera or meaningful objects do you have that you’d like me to consider incorporating? - please be specific if there are any items that MUST be included.

do you have a preference of support? (canvas or wood panel)

do you have a preference of dimensions?

will you be ordering signed giclee prints of the finished piece?

Or be a celebration of a person in your life?

who is this fabulous person?

do you have any specific memories of the person that stand out as poignant?

If the subject were to describe himself/herself in three words, what would they say? How would you describe this person in three words?

what does the person value most? (family, travel, pets, world peace, etc)

who are this person's favorite artists? (visual, musical, poet…)

are there any meaningful words or quotes that you would like incorporated?

what kinds of ephemera or meaningful objects do you have that you’d like me to consider incorporating? - please be specific if there are any items that MUST be included.

how would you describe the recipient’s personal style?

for whom is the artwork being made?

do you have a preference of support? (canvas or wood panel)

do you have a preference of dimensions?

will you be ordering giclee prints of the finished piece?

Collage element ideas:

vintage photograph (can be scanned or photocopied to preserve original)

handwritten note (also, can be scanned or photocopied to preserve original)

newspaper clipping

postcard

invitation

pages from a favorite book (scanned or photocopied)

children’s artwork

key to an old, loved car that you no longer own

beaded jewelry made by a child

foreign currency

map from a trip

fabric from something unusable but with nostalgia value, such as:

baby clothing or blanket - even knit objects add a cool texture

a favorite item of well-worn clothing that represents a special time

ribbons, lace or fringe from a special garment

pieces from a quilt that is beyond repair

scraps from something you or a loved one handmade

ephemera collected from a special date, such as:

ticket stub

pamphlet, brochure, program

bookmark

take-out menu

parking ticket

What else can you think of? What do you have in that shoebox at the back of your closet that needs a place to shine?